Saturday, December 30, 2017

Hello school facility professionals....and happy 2018! This post is just a quick note to let everyone know that we are coming back into action in 2018. Our news, reports, product information and editorial will soon be available for public and private school managers and service providers to handle school construction and management tasks with expertise and smart solutions.

Friday, December 29, 2017

This is the most common question I answer for schools, daycare centers and churches across the U.S. - and Texas is no exception. There are many options with respect to making a modular classroom decision and your budget is a major concern, especially with annual school spending being subject to so many changes. For some public schools a long term rental is a good fit for a modular classroom while a private school may have the total funds available for a purchase.

Read this article posted on iModularbuildings.com for some helpful tips if you are looking for a modular classroom for your school district, church or daycare program.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Public and private schools have utilized modular classrooms - also referred to as portable classrooms for years to solve space problems on campuses of all sizes. In some cases a school will need to rent modulars during construction or renovation in order to keep classes open and accommodate students. In other cases there simply is not enough space due to overcrowding thus forcing a school to add space wherever it can as soon as possible. Regardless of the actual space problem modular buildings have provided a fast and economical solution to thousands of k-12 schools, colleges, churches and daycare programs throughout the United Sates and abroad.

"Modular building suppliers have evolved over the years and have a very good understanding of the education space market and the demands of any type of school in need of space," stated one Facility Manager at a large public school district in Ohio.

Utilizing modular buildings may be an easy solution to a difficult space problem but the tasks of identifying the amount of space needed, where to place the modular structures and how long to rent them can be daunting for any busy facility staff person. Add the seemingly endless amount of time it takes to contact suppliers, schedule site visits and review prices and the process becomes a real challenge to manage.

Interior of portable modular
classroom.

"School facility managers have a time consuming job and stopping to research and procure modular classrooms can take weeks, sometimes months. That's why we developed iModular.com - specifically to help facility managers save time and money renting and buying modular classrooms," stated Matt Banes, iModular.com founder.

Unlike most modular building web sites iModular.com does not sell modular buildings directly to anyone. This web site exists to provide free assistance to anyone in the market for temporary or permanent modular space - particularly schools. Once on the home page a visitor can complete a very simple price request form and their information is matched with local suppliers who are qualified to meet whatever the modular classroom space need may be. In minutes up to four suppliers are notified and within a few hours the person requesting prices is contacted and on their way to saving a lot of time and hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.

If you are a facility manager, planner, school administrator or simply in charge of finding one or multiple modular classrooms try visiting www.iModular.comor contact Matt Banes at (714) 442-2757 extension 108 for nationwide assistance.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 16, 2013 – Environmental Charter Schools’ (ECS) top priority has always been to provide excellent educational opportunities in underserved communities. It has never been content to stop there, however. The network of free public middle and high schools that prepares students for four-year colleges through experiential learning and by exploring the environment as a learning tool both inside and outside the classroom also is committed to being a good neighbor and engaged community partner.

To celebrate bringing that commitment to the Harbor Gateway North/Gardena area of Los Angeles, the school is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Environmental Charter Middle School (ECMS-G). In addition to celebrating the opening of its third campus, the event will honor the many partners who have been instrumental in making the new school a reality.

What: Activities will include student-led campus tours. The tours will include different “vignettes” with five sub-themes that not only highlight key features of the new campus, but also incorporate the day’s overarching theme of “Building and Learning on a Green Campus.” The vignettes further will highlight the critical role sponsors have played.

Vignette 2: We Create (in partnership with State Farm) – through composting and aquaponics demonstrations, students will show how ECS is promoting creative thinking to bring its schools to life

Vignette 3: We Share (in partnership with Boeing) – reveals how ECS empowers other schools and their teachers with the tools needed to inspire their students to action through the Green Ambassador Program

Vignette 4: We Innovate (in partnership with Chevron and Raytheon) – students demonstrate how rigorous science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs are preparing them to be lifelong learners and college-goers.

Vignette 5: We Partner (in partnership with AAA Flag & Banner) – showcases project-based learning reflective of the partnership between ECS and AAA Flag & Banner. This partnership is built on a two-way exchange of knowledge in which the students serve as “consultants” who educate and inspire the company in its efforts to “go green.”

Following the tour, visitors will have an opportunity to view the future Community Partnership area featuring Donor Vines that represent the ECS community’s contributions toward the school and its vision.###

About Environmental Charter Schools:

Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is a network of free public middle and high schools that prepares students for four-year colleges through experiential learning and by exploring the environment as a learning tool both inside and outside the classroom.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

(Dallas, TX May 7, 2013) When it comes to helping your customers get the most out of their HVAC investment, there's more to the bottom line than swapping out an old, out-of-date system for a shiny, new, high-efficiency model. While the new, higher-performing system will instantly result in monthly utility savings they can see, there's more to ROI than efficiency ratings and first cost.

As businesses consider the purchase of packaged HVAC units, tallying the total ROI—from first cost, setup and installation to ongoing service and maintenance—is the best way to determine which system will offer your customers the best return in the long run.

Here's what to look for when choosing or replacing an HVAC unit:

Easy installation
Did the HVAC manufacturer do its research to find out what the contractor needs in order to make the system easier to install? Simplifying the installation process is a win-win for both the contractor and the end user. It all comes down to less time spent on the job, and fewer subcontractors needed to get the job done—which in turn equates to less cost to the end user, and potentially more time for contractors to add another job to the day's roster. Look for intelligent controls that verify proper system setup with a guided menu that reduces complexity of start-up and commissioning, and keyed and color-coded wire connectors that simplify field sensor or thermostat installation and prevent miswiring. These features add up to a quicker and easier installation process, ensuring equipment is installed correctly and helping contractors get to the next job quicker.

Factory-installed options
Everyone benefits from features that help save time and money. Factory-installed options are another way HVAC manufacturers help contractors, as well as end users, save money. These add-ons are typically created to ensure the unit runs at its maximum capability and efficiency, offering peace of mind to the contractor and increased savings to the end user. Look for intelligent controls <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/commercial-controls.asp> that record and track the runtime of every major system component for quick and easy troubleshooting, and multi-stage air volume supply fan technology <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/landing/msav.asp> that provides customers with increased comfort and savings all year long.

Service and maintenance savings According to research, facilities in which proper HVAC maintenance is completed will use at least 15 to 20 percent less energy than those where systems are allowed to deteriorate. Performing regular preventive maintenance can keep equipment operating at peak efficiency, helping customers save time and money in the process. Look for:

* Hinged door panels that make units easier to service and eliminate the need for screws, which can come loose during service and cause rooftop penetration
* Units with slide-out blower motor compartments that provide quicker, easier access to the unit's belt, blower motor and coils
* An isolated compressor compartment that allows performance checks during normal compressor operation without disrupting airflow

About Lennox Industries Inc.
A worldwide leader in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, Lennox Industries Inc. is based near Dallas, Texas. Deeply committed to helping consumers and businesses reduce energy needs and lessen their environmental impact, the company offers a wide range of resources for improving efficiency, including a selection of ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. and is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." To learn more about Lennox International, visit www.lennoxinternational.com. To learn more about Lennox Industries, contact a Lennox sales representative or visit www.lennox.com <http://www.lennox.com/> .

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Here is a helpful post and several questions with answers about the cost of modular classrooms. The post is on iModularbuildings.com - a blog I write to help schools make good decisions and save money when it comes to modular, portable classrooms in the United states. Be sure to look at the comments below the post.